CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Template (Describing an Unusual Situation)
CELPIP Speaking Task 8: 30 seconds to prepare, 60 to speak. A simple template, a full model answer and the phrases that help you describe anything clearly.
Matthew ZareCELPIP Teacher6 min read
The visual tour
- Story
Hi [Name]. I know you have been looking for [Object]...
- Reaction
I haven't seen anything this unique in a long time!
- Overview
Describe the whole object + Size.
- Outer layer
Describe what surrounds it (Fence/Walls).
- Centerpiece
Describe the main attraction.
- Details
Mention 1-2 small features.
- Close
Do you think the kids would enjoy playing here, or is it a bit too colorful for them?
Video lesson· 11:19
A three line note, written in 30 seconds, that fills the whole minute
Jump to14
A real Task 8 question from the question bank, the note that made the answer, and the full 60 second description. Then the vocabulary: position words, the five connecting phrases, and what to say when you do not know the word for the thing in the picture.
CELPIP Speaking Task 8: The 3-Line Note That Fills 60 Seconds
The full CELPIP Speaking Course is free: CELPIP Speaking Course · More lessons on the CELTESTPIP YouTube channel
What is CELPIP Speaking Task 8?
In CELPIP Speaking Task 8, Describing an Unusual Situation, you get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You describe something unusual to a person who cannot see it. Give a reason for calling, describe it from the whole thing to the details, then answer the question in the prompt. Raters score Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability and Task Fulfillment.
Goal
Describe a specific, often unusual scene to someone (a friend or family member) who cannot see it. You must paint a vivid picture using high-level vocabulary.
What do CELPIP raters score on Task 8?
CELPIP rates every Speaking response on four dimensions: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability and Task Fulfillment. There is no separate grammar score. Grammar and sentence structure are one part of Listenability, together with pronunciation, rhythm and pauses.
Three habits help on Task 8:
Sound like you mean it. A line like "I haven't seen anything like this before!" (Present Perfect) sounds warmer than "I didn't see this before." It is a teaching tip, not a rule the raters check.
Pick precise words. "Sizable", "vibrant" or "shaped like a cupcake" paint a clearer picture than "big", "nice" or "cool". Precise beats fancy: Paragon's own Level 10 sample for Task 8 uses plain words like "a green frog" and "a green box".
Set the scene in one or two sentences, then describe. Tell your listener why you are calling, then move to the description. Do not spend half your minute on the story: the description is what the task asks for.
Step 1: The Setup (Tone, Story & Grammar)
Goal: Determine your feeling (Love vs. Interest), build the story, and use Present Perfect to sound natural.
A. The "Excitement Check"
- The Prompt
"Whimsical candy playground."
- Your Reaction
Fun/Exciting. → Enthusiastic Tone.
B. The Story Formula (Using Present Perfect)
Instead of starting with "I am here," connect it to the past using Have been.
- Weak (Simple Past/Present):
"Hi Sarah. You wanted a park. I found one."
Strong (Present Perfect):"Hi Sarah. I have been thinking about what you said regarding a new park for the kids, and I think I have finally found the perfect spot."
"Hi Kathy. I know you have been searching for a unique playground for the kids for months. Well, I am walking through that new park right now, and I haven't seen anything quite like this before!"
Step 2: The Visual Tour (General → Specific)
Goal: Describe the object logically so the listener can visualize it. Do not jump around.
Strategy Table
Use this structure to organize your description.
Stage: The Overview
Action
Describe the whole object + Size.
Phrase Example
"It is a sizable playground designed to look exactly like a candy land."
Stage: The Outer Layer
Action
Describe what surrounds it (Fence/Walls).
Phrase Example
"The first thing you see is a vibrant fence made of giant, colorful candy canes."
Stage: The Centerpiece
Action
Describe the main attraction.
Phrase Example
"In the center, there is a magnificent tower that looks like a cupcake."
Stage: The Details
Action
Mention 1-2 small features.
Phrase Example
"There are numerous details, like stepping stones that look like Oreo cookies."
Step 3: The Closing (The Specific Question)
Goal: You must end the call naturally by asking the specific question found in the prompt.
- Don't just say goodbye.
Look at the text at the bottom of the image.
- Example
"Do you think the kids would enjoy playing here, or is it a bit too colorful for them?"
CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Model Answer
Situation: You are walking through a new neighborhood park and you discover a very whimsical playground designed entirely with a candy theme.
Task: Call your friend, Sarah. Describe the playground in detail, specifically the equipment and the decorations, and suggest she bring her children here.
Start of Response
Hi Sarah. I know you have been searching for a unique place to take the kids for months, and I remember you said you wanted something that really stands out. Well, I am walking through the new neighborhood park right now, and I haven't seen anything quite like this before!1
- Step 1: Story + Present Perfect
You won't believe this, but there is a stunning playground here designed entirely around a candy theme.2 It is quite sizable, so there is plenty of space for the children to run around.3
- Tone: Enthusiastic
- Step 2: Overview
The decorations are absolutely enchanting. The entire area is surrounded by a vibrant fence that is shaped like giant, multi-colored candy canes.4
- Step 2: Decorations
In terms of equipment, there is a magnificent play tower in the center shaped like a cupcake, complete with pink frosting on the roof.5 Leading up to it, there are fascinating stepping stones that look exactly like miniature Oreo cookies. It really is a delightful setup.6
- Step 2: Equipment
- Step 2: Details
I really think you should bring the kids here this weekend; they would absolutely love it.7
- Step 3: The Suggestion
Try this on a real Task 8 question, free
Sign up free and answer the first Speaking Task 8 question on the real clock. You get up to three AI-scored tries, with feedback on what to fix before test day.
Universal Templates
Use these openers and adjectives as a starting point, then change them to fit each picture. Raters notice when an answer is recited: a memorised line in the wrong tone, or about the wrong thing, costs you on Task Fulfillment.
1. The Story Opener(Present Perfect)
- "Hi [Name]. I know you have been looking for [Object]..."
- "Hi [Name]. I have been thinking about our conversation regarding [Topic]..."
2. The Reaction(Emotional Connection)
- "I haven't seen anything this unique in a long time!"
- "I have never come across such a stunning design before."
3. Size Adjectives (Replace "Big")
- Sizable
- Massive
- Colossal
- Mammoth
4. Beauty Adjectives (Replace "Pretty")
- Stunning
- Enchanting
- Exquisite
- Vibrant
5. Interest Adjectives (Replace "Interesting")
- Fascinating
- Intriguing
- Captivating
- Unique
6. Quality Adjectives (Replace "Good")
- Superb
- Magnificent
- Splendid
- Marvelous
Matthew Zare
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